The timeless charm of the round arch

The timeless charm of the round arch.

The round arch (whose name derives from sextus, the Latin name for the compass) is one of the most emblematic and enduring forms of architecture.

It is a semi-circular arch that, thanks to its perfectly symmetrical shape, evenly distributes the weight above it, making it extremely stable and robust.

Widely used in Roman architecture, the round arch was fundamental in the construction of aqueducts, bridges and amphitheatres. However, its aesthetic simplicity, combined with functionality, has made it a symbol of balance and harmony in classical architecture and beyond.

An example of a round arch is the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Located in the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle and one of the most iconic monuments in the city, it was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to celebrate the victories of his army.

Designed by the architect Jean Chalgrin, with its 50 meters high it is a symbol of French patriotism and houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in honour of the soldiers that fell during the First World War.

Another emblematic example is the Colosseum, the undisputed symbol of Rome. Obviously, what remains today is only the skeleton of the amphitheatre but the building originally had a triple colonnade of 80 arches in travertine, for a total of 240.

However, round arches are not only found in cities of art, but also in the houses we live in every day. In recent years, in fact, we have witnessed in architecture a gradual return of the classic that is gradually blending with design, giving rise to a new concept of modern.

A very representative example is Bonaldo’s Cabinet de Curiosité bookcase, a work of design that combines functionality and art. Inspired by the traditional “cabinets of curiosity”, this bookcase is characterized by a modular and asymmetrical structure. Each compartment is characterised by a round arch designed to display objects, books and pieces of art in an elegant and sophisticated way.

But not only furniture, also architecture in the true sense of the word, as in this modern apartment in Milan characterized by a beautiful shade of blue that goes well with honey coloured parquet. In this case, the round arch is not only decorative but also acts as a structural element that allows the transition from one room to another.

Alternatively, as in this sophisticated Spanish residence, where a very special boiserie highlights the arched door that connects the living room with the sleeping area. A particularly modern and at the same time pleasant environment to live in.

But what handles for arched doors?

Below is a small selection of our catalogue that we consider suitable to complete this type of environment.